Bedford teenager wins 'Unsung Hero' award

A teenager from Bedford has been awarded 'Unsung Hero' in a national magazine for the fish frying and fast food industry, Fry Magazine.

Abi Cantle, 18, is a counter assistant at Al's Plaice in Bedford, she was nominated for the award by Alex and Jess McKeegan, owners of the fish and chip shop.

They said: "Abi works in our front of house, serving customers and she is just a delight to work with.

"She took a little time off at the beginning of 2020 to work on her studies but came back to help us after lockdown and she has been incredibly hard working and dedicated.

"She works every hour asked, never moans, always smiles and is a delight to be around."

At the start of the year Abi took some time off to concentrate on her summer A-level exams, but when the exams were cancelled and Alex asked her to help them during lockdown, she returned to work.

She said: "It was an honour to win and I wasn't expecting it at all, I was surprised.

"It was lovely to be acknowledged by my employer and the industry.

"In February I took some time off to study for my A Levels as I was supposed to have exams this summer.

"Al text me during lockdown to ask if I would be able to come back to work as they were a bit short-staffed, and I went back to work as I wanted to help out as they were really busy.

"It was a bit strange at first working during lockdown with the social distancing and the new rules and then it got better.

"It is a bit strange again now with the face masks."

Al added: "She has been awarded ‘Unsung Hero’ in the trade national magazine for her incredible dedication and hard work during the Covid-19 crisis.

"We are incredibly proud of her for winning this award."